Town civic service held in St Peter s Church. Those attending were members of the usual congregation supported by members of the Methodist Church, with the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, MP Alistair Burt and the Chairman of the Bedfordshire County Council

Town civic service held in St Peter's Church. Those attending were members of the usual congregation supported by members of the Methodist Church, with the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, MP Alistair Burt and the Chairman of the Bedfordshire County Council and other civic dignitaries from throughout Bedfordshire. The Service was led by Rev Lin Hornblow, from Arlesey Methodist Church while the guest speaker Sarah Clay, from Christian Aid, gave an address on the work of the Charity in Ethiopia. Banners from Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, Scouts, Guides and Rainbows were paraded, and Gothic Mead School Choir gave a very entertaining rendition of two songs during the service. St Peter's hand-bell ringers gave a rendition of Ode to Joy at the start of the service. 1 John, Chapter 4 was read by Alistair Burt with town mayor, Hugh Harper reading the second from John, Chapter 15. Various members of organisations in Arlesey, Cllr Ian Delgarno, vice-chairman of Arlesey Town Council, town clerk, Elsie Hare and representatives from the Scouts, Guides and the Royal British Legion gave prayers of intercession and thanksgiving. As the service coincided with the start of Christian Aid Week the commissioning of collectors took place, with Rev Lin Hornblow asking for extra collectors in Arlesey, following the service light refreshments were served, the Guides being responsible for the drinks and Mrs H Harper for the food, thanks to those who helped to make this a successful occasion.